ATTERBERY, EMMET K. - For many years the Atterberys have been prominent among the agricultural families of western Illinois. Some of the most extensive and successful farming enterprises in Cass County have been carried on by its members, and one of the county's thriving towns is known as Atterberry. Emmet K. Atterbery, one of the best known farms in this county, was born in Menard County, Ill., July 11, 1873. His father, also a farmer, was Ashford Atterbery, who was born in Menard County; and the birthplace of the mother whose maiden name was Sarah Isabel McKee, was Ohio. At an early period, Ashford Atterbery acquired possession of an interest in 350 acres of land which, through years of unremitting effort, he developed into a highly productive farm. In early boyhood, Emmet K. Atterbery accompanied his father and mother to this place, and since that period has continued to live here. As he grew to suitable age he received a fair education in the district school of his neighborhood, and subsequently applied himself diligently to the work of the farm. In addition to general farming operations, he devotes considerable time to the raising of choice stock. The farm is composed of 350 acres of excellent land, and is situated in section 25, township 19, range 9, in Cass County, near the village of Chandlerville, which place is the postoffice address for Mr. Atterbery.

On February 12, 1896, in Cass County, Ill., Emmet K. Atterbery was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Hickey, a native of Cass County, where her birth took place August 23, 1876. Mrs. Atterbery is a daughter of Seth and Kizie (Goodman) Hickey, the former of whom was born April 11, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Atterbery have three children, namely: Ree Divern, born August 8, 1897; Alice Irene, born July 17, 1899, and Roy, born November 6, 1908.

Mr. Atterbery has never connected himself with any religious denomination, but fraternally is a Mason, being affiliated with Chandlerville Lodge, No. 724. Politically he supports the principles of the Democratic party. Emmet K. Atterbery is known to almost every resident of his township. He is a man of much intelligence, with a large fund of practical information. He manifests an infinite amount of good nature in daily intercourse with neighbors, and his jovial disposition makes him quite popular among his acquaintances.